Reroof permits come from three kinds of office: LADBS on City of Los Angeles streets, County Public Works on unincorporated land, and each other city's own building department.
Which office handles my address
Start with the address. If it is inside the City of Los Angeles, which includes neighborhoods such as North Hollywood and Encino, the office is LADBS. In unincorporated County areas it is Los Angeles County Public Works. Cities with their own departments, such as Rosemead, Diamond Bar, El Monte and Maywood, run their own counters.
For Hermosa Beach, check with the city's building department. Westlake Village is served by County Building and Safety under contract. When in doubt, call the city's building department.
City of Los Angeles express permits
At LADBS an express permit skips plan check (LADBS, 2026). Items include a re-roof with a Class A or B covering on solid sheathing at under 6 lb per square foot, a replacement over 50 percent of a residential roof with a CRRC-labeled cool roof product, and lifting tile for new underlayment (LADBS, 2026).
Express permits are issued online, or in person by appointment at one of five LADBS counters, from Van Nuys to San Pedro (LADBS, 2026). Pick the counter nearest the house.
County rules
Los Angeles County Public Works requires a building permit for a reroof, and a separate solar permit to remove and reinstall rooftop panels (Los Angeles County Public Works, 2025). A new covering may go over an old one only if there is one layer, adequate framing and a sound, dry deck.
Existing wood shakes and clay or concrete tile must come off before reroofing with any material. Switching to metal needs Department of Regional Planning approval.
The 50 percent line and the certificate
Under City of Los Angeles rules, a re-roof past 50 percent in one year pulls the whole roof up to current code. At 50 percent or less, just the replaced part must comply (LADBS, 2026).
Before the inspector signs off, the Re-roofing Certificate of Compliance is needed, and either the contractor or an owner-builder signs it (LADBS, 2016). Ask the inspector how they want to receive it.
What it costs and how long it takes
Angi's 2026 Los Angeles page gives about $245 as the average permit fee. Your own office sets the real number, so ask at the counter.
Times differ by office. A City express permit can be issued without plan check, which shortens the front end. County and city counters may take longer. We prepare the scope so the application is complete the first time.
Permit questions
Is a roofing permit a building permit?
In the County, yes: a reroof needs a building permit (Los Angeles County Public Works, 2025). In the City of Los Angeles a reroof that uses a Class A or B covering on solid sheathing at under 6 lb per square foot is issued as an express permit by LADBS (LADBS, 2026).
Which office takes permits for my address?
The City of Los Angeles for City addresses, County Public Works for unincorporated areas, and the city's own building department elsewhere. If you are unsure, ask the city.
Do I need a permit to replace a roof in Los Angeles?
Yes. In the City of Los Angeles, LADBS issues a reroof that uses a Class A or B covering on solid sheathing at under 6 lb per square foot as an express permit, and plan check is skipped (LADBS, 2026). If the address is in another city, that city's building department decides.